The impact of metabolic surgery on natural conception rates in women with infertility, obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome: a retrospective study

Abstract

Background

Women with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (OPOS) are at high risk for infertility. However, the reproductive effects of metabolic surgery on women with infertility and OPOS have not been fully elucidated.

Objectives

We investigated the natural conception rates after metabolic surgery, and the variables associated with infertility in women with OPOS.

Setting

Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.

Methods

This study included 72 women with infertility and OPOS who underwent metabolic surgery and were followed up for 4 years after surgery. Finally, 54 patients completed the study. Reproductive outcomes were assessed, along with changes in anthropometric parameters and metabolic indices before and 1 year after surgery (prepregnancy). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables influencing natural conception and delivery outcomes.

Results

After metabolic surgery, 35 patients (64.8%) became pregnant naturally, while 16 were still unable to conceive naturally. Preoperative body mass index (BMI) tended to be lower in the natural conception group than in the no natural conception group (38.9 ± 6.9 versus 43.6 ± 11.0 kg/m², P = .070) and there were no significant differences in weight loss between the 2 groups after surgery. Logistic regression analysis showed that the BMI 1 year after surgery (prepregnancy) was an independent predictor of natural conception, and receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a BMI of 27.0 kg/m² was the optimal cutoff for predicting successful natural conception after surgery.

Conclusions

Metabolic surgery can improve fertility in women with OPOS. Patients with a BMI < 27.0 kg/m² 1 year after surgery (prepregnancy) are more likely to become pregnant naturally and give birth.